Tuesday, March 24, 2015

I guess it's been long overdue. I've memorized a number of Korean songs my sister listens to (she's a Kpop fangirl). I've watched countless Korean dramas, movies and reality shows. Can you tell that I've been hooked? Haha! Of course, all of them made me curious about the Korean culture. Though it isn't really in my travel priority list, I know time will come that I'm going to set foot in this country. I just never thought it'll be on Spring this year!

yay! spring! photo by KTO

Effective 1 March 2015, Korean Embassy has announced some major modifications on their Tourist Visa Requirements. At first, I thought it'll be a drag but after going through the actual process, I realized that it wasn't so bad.

Last updated - 05 February 2017

Requirements:

Fully-accomplished Visa Application Form.Just follow all the instructions on page 2 of the Application Form.Put N/A for those that are not applicable.

1 piece Passport size colored picture. It should be taken within the last 6 months.

Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)

Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted). You may check the list of OECD member countries here.

Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR land line number (cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address). In our company, it takes at least a week to get a COE. Check on yours, so you will know how much time you'll allot before your desired date of application.

Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB) I had no problems getting all these accomplished with BPI. They charge Php 100 for bank cert. It will be debited from your account.

Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months). I requested a certified true copyfrom BPI too. It costs Php 100 as well.

Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316.Companies usually release this final week of January through first week of February annually.

Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (only if applicable)

preparations

If personally invited by a Korean: Invitation Letter & Photocopy of Invitor’s Passport*

If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit*

*No authentication required

Starting July 1, 2015, all visa applicants who have travelled as tourist to Korea at least once within 5 years will be exempt from submitting ITR copy. Processing time will also be reduced to 3 working days. They are still required to apply at Window 1 or 2.

Note: These are the requirements for Filipinoemployees. If you fall into a different category, please check this link.

Application:

After compiling all the requirements, I'm sure you are excited to go to the embassy and submit all these documents. Now what's next?

You already made it to the Embassy. The first thing you have to do is to get a Guest Pass from the guard at the Entrance. You have to leave an ID in exchange of one and sign in their log book.

Once you get inside, get a queue number. On the right side, there is a queue towards a desk with officers inspecting documents. That's it! Fall in line to get your number. They will determine which Window you'll be assigned to.

You just have to wait for your turn on your designated window. Window 2 are for applicants without previous OECD visas and Window 3 for those who had them. I was assigned in Window 2.

When it's your turn, just give them the documents along with your queue number. They will inspect it and if they're satisfied with it, no questions will be asked. They will immediately give you a claim stub with the date when you can get your passport back.

the claim stub

I was like, that's it?! It was easy breezy! I can't believe I'm done in 20 minutes! I entered at 10:05 and was out by 10:25. Daebak!

Application Time: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM only

Processing Time

3 working days for frequent travelers

5 working days for first time travelers

*Extension may apply depending on the Consul's decision.

Visa Fee:

59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS (FREE!!!)

60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,800.00

Releasing:

It'll be the exact same steps as the Application process, #s 1-3. Except for #4, when you get to the window - it's time for you to get your passport back. This time with your visa!

here's mine! ;)

They were so consistent. I finished everything in 15 minutes! I went in at 3:15 PM, I was out at exactly 3:30 PM. Awesomeness. Before you leave, check if everything is correct in your visa.

From Guadalupe MRT Station, look for the jeepney queue going to C5 or FTI. Just tell the driver to drop you at the Korean Embassy or McKinley. You will alight right in front of the embassy.

From Ayala MRT Station, take BGC Bus to Market Market (terminal just a few steps from the MRT station) or look for the jeepney terminal with Market-Market route. It is located at the same street as the Ayala-Washington jeepneys at the back of Shell Gas Station. Alight in Market Market and ride another jeep with C5 or FTI signboards, then follow the rest of the instruction above after riding the C5 bound jeep.

Going back is now easier than before! Taguig City has finally built a stoplight in C5 fronting McKinley Hill/Shell Gas Station and now has pedestrian crossing. No need to walk all the way to the distant overpass just to safely cross the highway, yay! :)

From the Embassy, just use the pedestrian crossing to go to the other side. Then you can already ride a jeep bound to Market Market (where you can ride the BGC Bus or jeep to Ayala) or a jeep bound to Guadalupe/EDSA.

Other Notes:

Application Form should be printed in A4 size paper.

Validity starts on the date your visa is released and it's valid for 3 months only. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to your date of arrival in Korea.

You can do the application and the claiming of passports for someone else. No authorization letter or anything of that sort is needed. I was the one who submitted and claimed for my brother as well.

Make sure you have ALL the required information in the documents you will submit. I don't see any reason why they will deny you if you strictly followed their list of requirements.

My brother has no previous international travel history. It'll be his first time to travel outside the country, but he was approved.

His bank account hasn't been opened for a long time too. It hasn't been 6 months old even. And yes, he was approved. Don't be put off by the 6 months ADB requirement in the bank cert.

I've been getting questions if it's okay to use your Payroll Account for the bank cert. My answer is yes! That was what I presented.

I think, as long as you can prove that you can finance your trip and that you have a stable job here - you will be approved.

Family applications should be filed together at the same window, at the same time. Representative may file the visa applications of all family members. Documents for proof of relationship is a must. (eg. Marriage Contact, Birth Certificate)

Applicants, especially the First Time travelers, are advised to personally claim their visas. An interview with the Consul may be required before the result of the application is given.

Hwaiting!!! ;)

***

Now excuse me, my Oppa has been waiting for me for quite sometime now... Hahaha! ;)

Hello Shinsukkie! The account that I actually presented in the Bank Cert is my payroll account. I personally prefer to use that instead of my personal account because it has more activity. So to answer your question, it won't matter and you don't have to make it your personal account. Thank you for dropping by and enjoy Korea as much as I did! :)

Hi Lizzie. Just found your blog when lurking at pex site. :) am worried with my bank statement and bank cert. :-s i have a car loan which automatically debited the monthly amort in my account, which is also a payroll account. I also used it for paying my other bills. I believe my debits are higher than my credit as of now, but my ending balance is still okay (positive). What do you think? if you don't mind, what's your ADB? how to compute that? :)

Hello there. For me, it literally translates to your daily balance from the dates covered on the bank statement. I also use my payroll account for paying my bills, shopping and what not. I'm not comfortable disclosing the amount but let's say that I'm confident about it because I'm also preparing to apply for a Schengen Visa later this year. But as you said, your ending balance is more on the positive right? Don't worry too much about it. I think what's important for the Embassy to find out is, if you can finance your trip and if you have a consistent source of income (employment). My brother has a lower balance than me but also approved. Cheer up! ;)

Thank you Lizzieee! :)) yes, the ending balance is positive naman. i think it would be enough for my trip. :D plus am currently employed. my worry is that for the time period (3 mos), my ADB will be low. But thanks for the words. :) and i had the korean visa approved like 3 or 4 years ago, but SOA is not a requirement before. I'm still positive!! #fighting hihi

I was denied of a visa a few months ago though I completed everything. I even have an oecd visa but to no avail. Im getting frustrated because I really want to go. Im planning on applying again but scared to death to do it plus I am new to my current job.

For what reason(s) were you denied? Do you think there was something that caused them to doubt your travel intention? If none, it really happens sometimes. I felt the same way when I applied for a US Business Visa a long time ago. I had everything with me and all the supporting docs provided by my company but still not granted a visa. Cheer up and don't be afraid to try again! Aja! ;)

Hello there. As long as you have an OECD visa, it is guaranteed 3 business days processing. Tried and tested na by my friends hehe. They are very efficient! If you apply by 22nd, you can get it by the 26th. I know it's very risky since it's just a few days before your trip but foreign embassies here delivers very efficiently. I think your COE should be enough (and a very good amount in your bank statement hehe). It'll be understandable since OFWs don't really have ITRs in the first place. If you still doubt it, you can also be exempted submitting an ITR if you have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years. :)

I'm sorry to say but yes, very possible. Your personal reasons won't matter to the consul. You really have to provide them with all the requirements. Please read their list of required documents. If you can't provide all of them, your chance of approval is very low. Goodluck!

Hi. What if I just opened a bank account last week ang transferred all my money from my payroll account to my new account? Will they accept my bank statement/bank certificate kasi it says it needs to have an ADB for the past 6 months and also transactions for the past 6 months. Also, the amount naman sa account ko is quite high. Please help. Thanks.

If i travel solo coz i will visit my korean boyfriend, pero may work naman ako dito for more than 6 yrs and i also have all the required docs. May chance kaya na ma approved ako? Hindi ba ko tatanungin ng reason why i go there? Thanks

Good morning . Ask ko lang po , i have a payroll account which is the savings account sa BPI..

Regarding lang po dito ..

7.Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB) I had no problems getting all these accomplished with BPI. They charge Php 100 for bank cert. It will be debited from your account. 8.Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months). I requested a certified true copy from BPI too. It costs Php 100 as well.

what if number 7 lang yung mayroon ako dahil savings acct lang naman ang mayroon which is yung ATM payroll acct ko . paano ako makaka avapil nung number 8 na bank statement kung wala akong passbook? will they issue also a bank statement even if the only account i have with BPI is my payroll account?

hI THERre, my BPI Bank cert doesnt include the opening date and ADB.. The teller says they only issue that system generated bank cert and that is the only content they can provide.. how about others po?

He went to the travel agency fronting Victoria Plaza there in Davao. Yun nga lang it's 3,000 pesos! They require the same documents as the Embassy and according to my friend, they are very reliable! Hope this helps! :)

Hi Valentina. I can't certainly say whether you'll be approved or not because I always, always follow what is indicated in the Embassy requirements to make sure I won't get denied. Every time I go to the bank, I bring a printout of what exactly is in the Embassy checklist so I won't have problems about missing pieces of info. But that was just me, because I wanted to get things right in just one shot hehe.

If you're VERY confident with the amount reflected on your bank cert, then give a go. But if you're really worried, just get a new cert reflecting all the info required for your peace of mind. ;)

Hi Lizzie! I will be travelling to Korea this coming March.I just got confused with my ADB in my bank CERT from BPI. The guy who assisted me reflected my ADB year-to-date so it appeared nnot as big as it is. Tho i told him that ADB for the past 6 mos only and he said it is the same. Can i rquest for a new one? in different branch or they will all issue the same ADB? thanks

Hello! It's okay. As long as your current balance can cover your trip's expenses. No need to request for a new one. Anyway, they'll see your account activities in the bank statement naman. It's perfectly fine. ;)

hello Lizzie good am... ask ko lang po if ok lang po ba wala po akong itr? kasi po last september 2015 lang po ako na hire for work in a government unit, though I'm not a fresh grad but pursued law degree. Our hr said that my itr is still on the process po.. what can i do about it po? thank u ng marami :)

Truth is, wala pa rin yung ITR ko for 2015. It'll be released pa lang sometime this Feb so I know wala pa nga talaga. In your case, I guess it's acceptable kase nga it's not released yet. Just make sure your COE have all the pertinent details about you job and your income. :)

Hi i heard a lots of denied visa application.Im quite nervous what if my previous application will get denyI applied last feb 5 and im going back to get the result this feb 15I have stable job for 4 years 7 months in banking industry My requirements are definitely complete under the category of being employed I have coe, itr, bank cert & bank statement I used my 2 bank accounts which is my payroll and personal account My personal account is quite big because my bf put some money there.I feel is not realistic because my coe and itr doesnt match the money i have in my account. I just worried about thatPls give an adviceThanks

Hey, don't get discouraged by other people's visa denial. Based on the profile you gave, you have a big chance of getting approved. Don't worry too much about it. My brother don't have that much on his account but he got approved. Think positive, Joyce! Best of luck! ;)

Hi! Im a bit worried about my ADB (6 mo.) its only 13,000 but i am sure that by the time we'll apply for visa my savings will be 50k. Is my adb fine? Would you mind if i ask yours? Just the range. Thanks! I love your blog, its very informative ��

Hello Jasz! If it's gonna be around 50k by the time you apply and it's enough for the number of days you'll be staying in Korea, then you definitely won't have a problem. It'll be approved! My ADB that time was way higher because I also went to Europe last year. And if you read Tammy Boy's comment above, his ADB is just 1300 but he got approved! :)

One more thing, my travel buddy is my best friend. Just the two of us. Should we just pass our requirements altogether or just separately? Our passport is new and we have not travelled outside yet. It will be our first time, do we have a high chance? Thank u 😘

You can actually apply together or separately. But on our case, I applied for both my brother and I. I guess it helped considering that it's his first time to travel abroad. As long as the money reflecting on your account is enough to cover the trip, you'll be both fine. :)

Hi! Do you have any idea if paano magpa-reconsider ng denied visa? My boyfriend and I just got denied, and the reason was unable to prove purpose of entry. All our requirements are complete naman. :( We're waiting for my boyfriend's parents visa result on Monday, hiwalay kasi kaming nagpass ng requirements. Sad thing is may tickets na kami. We're planning to go there first week of March. I hope I can hear from anyone who tried to appeal for Korean visa. Thanks a lot!

Sorry I had no first hand experience regarding your concern and I won't be able to comment because though you said your requirements are complete, I don't know if the contents are deemed acceptable sa Embassy or not. Kase as far as I know, as long as what you provided exactly what they require, you'll be approved. Let's wait for other readers to share their experiences which can possibly help you.

I got my passport yesterday. I let the agency process it. I submitted the requirements in the travel agency Feb 5, 2016 yet the date stamp embassy received it was just Feb. 12, 2016. The agency didn't process ahead and the embassy released it Feb. 15, 2016. There decision to denying was so fast, right? Anyway, It saddens me that I got denied :( Same case as you, the reason was because I failed to prove purpose of entry to Korea. this really bothers me because I submitted all the necessary documents. I even submitted the flight itinerary and hotel confirmation yet denied. I even obtained a Japan visa and so I didn't submit ITR as it's stated that frequent travelers are exempted on submitting ITR. Agency said that my case is unusual. :( They said it might be better to personally visit the embassy and reapply. Honestly, I'm torn between giving up and giving a shot coz I have to collate again all the docs yet there is no guarantee that I will still be entertained there.

I had the same case. I applied last March 23 and claimed my passport earlier. I attached all necessary documents including my entry stamp when I visited Japan last year. The reason my application was denied is because I failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea. The officer in charge explained that we (my family) are not financially capable for the trip. I don't know how much they want to see in our ADB. I have $3200 as ADB and my mother have Php120k. I made a call to the embassy and they said that they don't make re-consideration and I can re-apply after 6 months. Sadly, we already had roundtrip ticket to Incheon and hotel accommodation for 4 nights.

That's sad. :( Yeah, as far as I know, they don't accept appeals for denied visa. You really have to wait for 6 months. It also made me wonder because my brother only had around 70k at that time and it was his first travel abroad ever but he got the visa with me. I hope you can still refund your tickets and hotel bookings.

Hello i'm planning to apply for tourist visa this coming 2nd week of March, ask ko lang if ano yung nilagay mo na purpose of entry to Korea? Usually kase yun yung reason ng mga nadedeny. By the way , solo traveller ako and first time to travel outside the country. Appreciate much your response. All my requirements are complete except for the OECD and invitation. Thanks and God Bless

Hi! The only purpose of entry for a Tourist is of course, Tourism! I did not put anything else there. If you got all the requirements, then you should be okay. OECD is not applicable naman sayo since it'll be your 1st time, then invitation pag lang meron nag-invite sa yo from Korea. I love solo travel! Done it in 10 countries already hehe. Goodluck! Hope you'll get the visa! :)

I also have the same dilemma. Bf and I applied for tourist visa; I was approved while he is denied.

I've traveled to Japan last year (OECD) but he hasn't. He is currently a student (first trip abroad) and we've complied all docs for students visiting Korea. Applied through an agency (Sharp Travel) that was referred to me by a friend who flew there in 2014 (there were 5 of them, all approved). As far as I know (and I have checked more than twice) all of his docs are complete. Balance on bank cert is above 50K (parent's documents). Denied for the same reason- Failed to prove purpose of entry to Korea. I just cant wrap my head around it yet coz tickets and hotel are already paid for. Seeking help of agency now what else we could do to reconsider it.

Hmmm... seems like Korean Embassy became stricter with visa issuance lately. Though I can't say if how they're handling applications from agencies is any different from direct application. You're the second reader who stated about a denied application processed by an agency. I'd say try it again since your tickets and hotels are paid! Sayang naman. But please do try to apply direct sa Embassy after reviewing all your BF's docs. It might make a difference. Goodluck and I hope he gets it on second attempt!

hi, we are group from sumulong Baptist Church and the Baptist Bible Foundation Inc in Korea invited our church to join their 65 years anniversary.We are about 20pax going there. Our representative from our church was the one who brought our Docs to the Korean Embassy and to our surprise 4 of our member were denied of the VISA. The comments was YOU FAILED TO PROVE YOUR PURPOSE IN GOING TO KOREA... HUHUHU WE already bought tickets.My question is can we still file a VISA as a Tourist and no longer as attending a conference? Can they still accommodates those who have been denied? We will be living March 14

That will be tricky since they already applied for that specific reason. Don't you think if will be more suspicious on their end if they reapply as Tourists the second time? I would say review all their docs and compare the differences from those that were approved. when you find the missing piece of the puzzle, rectify if you can then just reapply for the same purpose. Good luck to your group and have fun in Korea!

Hi Azel. I don't think so, as long as you meet their requirements. I have a female friend who also went solo, she got approved naman. It all depends on the docs you're going to present to them. Good luck! Fighting! ;)

Shucks! Sad news. Dumadami na lately yung comments na denied. I can't believe you were denied based on your profile up there. My brother has a similar profile only he was traveling with me. He even had a lower ADB. I also heard about one of the Managers in our office na denied naman ng Japanese Visa which is also unbelieveble because she has multiple US visa na and of course has a higher salary than me! It seemed to me na naghihigpit lately ang mga Embassy. I hope you haven't paid for your ticket yet. Explore another country na lang muna kaya? :(

Hi. I have a Korean friend who is willing to give an invitation letter to us. I'd like to know, the letter should be addressed to us (I'll be going with my sis) or to the Consul of SK? Do you advise us to show the invitation letter even if we know that we are compliant to the requirements? Thank you and your reply would be much appreciated.

Hello. I have no personal experience when it comes to submitting letter of invitation to the Korean Embassy but when I applied for a Business Visa to the US, my Boss from the States addressed the letter to the Consul. So I would assume it's the same.Re your other question, if you are confident enough with submitting just the other requirements, I would say then just go with it. The invitation letter might be a plus to ascertain you purpose of entry to Korea, but I think other requirements which will prove your financial capacity and your rootedness to Pinas will be of more importance. Again, this is just my humble opinion. :)

Thank you for the reply. I called the embassy. According to the receptionist, there is no standard or format to speak of in terms of the invitation;hence, any letter may it be email or formal letter will do.

Lastly, the invitation letter is just an option. Even if you include or not, the 10 requirements will still be the basis of the approval of the visa. That's the advise I got from them and you're right (',)

Hello again Lizzie! I have question lang, kasi my passport will be released 2nd week of March, is it okay kaya kung a day after kong mareceive ung passport ko, ipapasa ko na agad for visa application? does that affect kaya? You mentioned kasi na first time traveller din yung bro mo and he was approved. Also, ung sa ITR same lang ba sa form 2316? And kelangan bang authenticated ng BIR sealed or something. I have read in other blogs kasi. I hope for your response. Thanks!

Hi! Of course, it's okay! Yup, 1st travel nya yun abroad ever and he was approved! Yes, same lang po yung ITR and Form 2316, like nung nasa 2nd pic ko sa taas hehe. No authentication or seal needed. Mine isn't. It came from our HR Dept, so of course it's valid. It should just be signed by your Employer and yourself.

Hi. You can put anything you want naman for the number of days kase for 1st timer usually ang binibigay naman talaga ay 59 days single entry. I just can't ascertain if maa-approve ka or not based on your show money. To give you an idea, on our 4 days 3 nights trip, between 30-35k each yata nagastos namin. Excluding airfare pero with some shopping na yun. Shempre magva-vary rin kung gaano ka katipid hehe.

It will depend on your other requirements. If the Embassy thinks they are enough to prove you purpose of entry, financial capability and rootedness to the Philippines, then you will get it. Goodluck! :)

Got my passport last week So disappointed /upset...my friends and i are excited to visit korea..submitted all the requirements 4 of us are single...denied...failed to prove purpose???!!!...the one who is married (yet on the process of annulment) got her visaWe are all employed under one companySame reason failed to prove purpose...???!!! Already been to other se asia country for tour...The heck..Well i swear am not going to apply again or plan to go there anymore... thinking of boycotting anything korean i can live with that...same with my cp... might as well smash it somewhere hehewhat a waste... hmmp

Waaahh sorry to hear that. It was actually really strange hearing about numerous denied applications lately. My friend who was with me the last time, reapplied for another visa because he is returning to Korea to tour once again but he was still approved. He's also single and this time actually traveling solo. He hasn't been to many countries either.I feel you. I felt the same way when I was denied of Business Visa by the US Embassy. My company provided them EVERYTHING to prove that I'm traveling on business but still, they denied me. D**n US embassy hahaha. I have no plans of visiting their country as a tourist. Not in this lifetime! But no, don't smash your phone! Sayang! Just sell it and buy an iPhone! Nagsuggest pa talaga ko haha ;)

Hello..I was wondering kasi our Korean Visa just got denied and the reason was that "You failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea". We have submitted all the required documents and checked our application twice but we weren't able to give a copy of our itinerary, Airfare, and the apartment that we are staying..It was all paid. If we are going to re-appeal our Visa. Do you have any idea po where can we go sa Embassy and are there any chances of getting a Korean Visa? :((

Sorry to hear that, Ern. Itinerary, airline tickets and hotel bookings are not included in the official requirements to begin with. In fact, the staff checking the docs before you get to the Consuls' windows are even removing those papers not included in the requirement list.I heard people who tried to re-appeal but they are very strict with their decision. If you're denied, that's it. You can just reapply after 6 months. You can try calling the Embassy po, to double check. Lesson learned na rin po, don't get paid bookings for your hotels and tours kung wala pang visa. Booking promo airfare is also a risk I always take. But at least, you won't lose that much...

Hi! For Korean Visa, not really. Kase hindi po talaga sya required. But you can bring a copy of your CC statements just in case the Consul asks for additional/supporting documents. But I highly doubt it.If you are employed, then by all means go apply as a Tourist. If you are not, it is better to declare the real purpose of your visit. You haven't mentioned if you are employed or a housewife and if you're husband is Korean or not. So it's hard to give a concrete advice.

2.) re: ITR, both my parents are professional and self employed, what should i submit then? And ang ITR kailngan talaga na at least 3 months kinuha sa BIR upon submission ng application for visa? Or okay lang kahit beyond na as long as you have ITR? How about Mayor's permit? Business permit? I doubt they have this because they are lawyer and dentist so kailangan ba nila ng ganito? Sorry i have no idea about this BIR stuff i need guidance what to submit so that i could ask my parents properly.

3. My trip will be on November 2016 pa, is okay to ask as early as May for a Visa? Or better july or august na?

Please do help me, i am afraid i might get denied. I have been to other countries naman but im with my family, this is my first time travelling outside the country without them but my parents esp. My dad will still finance my trip as his advance gift for me on my 25th birthday. Pls do help me.

1) Strictly follow their requirements for Students. They are only asking for the parents bank cert and statement, so just submit theirs. If you think that submitting both of your folks' documents will improve your chances of getting approved, then submit both by all means! :)

2) ITRs are being released by BIR once a year, usually every January or February. Got my 2015 ITR last month. So, no. The "at least 3 months" perception that you have does not apply with ITRs. I don't know where you got that. Sa bank statement lang po yun applicable hehe. BTW, ITRs are for employed lang (if they are working for companies they don't own). Don't confuse it with the requirements for self-employed (say if they own the clinic or the law firm). That's the time you have to submit their Business Reg and Permit.

3) Wow ang tagal pa ng trip mo! Validity starts on the date your visa is released and it's valid for 3 months only. It's too early to apply for a visa! Depending on your date on November, best time to apply will be August or September.

I guess it's okay. If you'll notice sa mga recent comments, ang daming nadedeny lately. So, if you can do everything to not make the Consul doubt your travel intention, do it. My mindset every time I apply for a visa is to not give them a reason to deny me. ;)

Hello and Happy Easter as well!Field 1.2 po is for Chinese Name, not applicable for us Filipinos. Disregard it if you don't have any.Please don't write anything on the "For Official Use Only" portion of the form.

Hello again LizzieGoodafternoon..im happy u response to my question..one thing i notice its written in chinese..i will be funding my travel expense on 10.2 can i write MYSELF ? And on 9.1 purpose of visit to korea theres no enough space on OTHER if i write 2 sentences for purpose of visit..

Re 10.2, it says there including yourself, so the answer to your question is YES.

Re 9.1, you don't have to write sentences there. You can do it the same format as those in the choices above. You can shorten it into a word or two. But if you really need to write it in sentences:Notice #1) If extra space is needed to complete any item, record on a separate sheet of paper or submit relevant documents which could support your application.

Hello. I can't give you an assurance that you will be approved or denied. Based lang po sa mga nagcomment na sa taas - yung iba sa kanila 100k plus ang budget nila for themselves only (solo budget) pero nadeny pa rin sila. What more if 4 pa kayo na magsheshare sa 100k plus. Also, only your husband is working and only his papers will need to prove your capability to travel as a whole family. I have no right to say outright that you'll be denied. All you can do is try na lang din po. Free lang naman to get the visa so better try or you'll never know at all. Goodluck to you and your family!

Hello Rayshi! I don't think they will mind that. Your bank statement with 3 months transaction history naman will also support your application. Even if there's no account opening date, they will check your other documents to justify that you are worth getting a visa. BDO is kinda strict nga daw sa format ng bank cert nila. A friend who was with me during my Korea trip also submitted his bank cert from BDO. He was approved naman, twice na nga. Last year and this year hehe. So I really don't think it's a big deal. Go for it! ;)

Hi Lizzie,I got married late 2014, my passport and all my pertinent info have been updated to my married name already. However my itr for 2015 has not been updated yet to my married name and it is still for single exemption. Do you think this would be an issue on my visa application?

Hello! Sorry, I am not sure about that. Still ITR is a major requirement so there's nothing you can do but submit it anyway. Don't worry, consuls review all the documents to make sure you deserve a visa. Good luck!

No, I don't think it's okay. There's no way a COE will be replaceable by an enrollment certificate. They prove two very different things. If you can't submit a COE and ITR you should focus on providing them a valid document to prove them that you can finance your trip and that you won't stay there illegally. It's very crucial for visa application.

Keep your fingers crossed! My younger brother has the same profile as yours when he applied the visa with me last year and he was approved. I'm really hoping you will get it! Keep me posted and best of luck! :)

Submitted my Requirements this morning, I'll be travelling with my bestfriend, Grabe im super Nervous po im only 22 yrs old im working in an Airline company, I also have 10yrs multiple Entry US Visa po, The only problem that i think would affect my application is, i only opened my bank account recently and it only has about 48k and didn't use my payroll account.. Anyway release date po is on May 4 sana approved cuz it has always been my dream to go to koreaaa. heheh Thanks po just sharing heheh

Don't worry about your bank account. As long as you have enough there to finance your trip, it won't be a problem. My brother's account wasn't 6 mos old even when we applied. Another big plus is your 10 year US visa. Hoping you're gonna get it! Thanks for sharing and goodluck! :)

Hi Lizzie! found your blog and I've almost read everything on this. My friend and I are planning to go to sokor this sept for 4 days, do you think 40k be enough show money? I'm also planning to get a regular cc , will that help as well? Thank you very much! We're really nervous about this

Hello Camille! Thanks for visiting my site. Technically, enough na ang 40k for 4 days in Korea lalo na kung paid na ang plane tickets at hotel bookings mo. For show money, try to stretch it up to 50k para mas mataas ng onti. You wouldn't want the Consul to think that you'll be so broke at the end of the trip or for them to doubt na baka hindi ka na makabalik hehe. Unfortunately, a CC won't be of any help sa visa application kase hindi naman sya hinihingi ng Embassy. It's really the bank cert and the COE that matters. Goodluck and don't be so nervous! Attract positive energy! ;)

do i need to have my BIR form 2316 stamped/certified by either BIR or our HR rep? some people are telling me that I need to have it stamped. But BIR told me they do not do that as well as our HR payroll rep.

Hi, you mentioned that your bank documents are from BPI. When I requested for a bank certificate, I noticed that the only detail indicated there is the current balance as of date. When I inquired if they could also indicate the opening date and the 6 months ADB, I was told that the current balance would suffice and that their format is standard. Did you not encounter problems with the bank certificate issued by BPI or were you able to customize the format so that all necessary details would be reflected?

Wow, just that? As far as I know BDO ang ganun - claiming that they only have a standard format and they can't edit it. Personally, I never had problems getting a bank cert from BPI reflecting everything the Embassy requires. I bring a list or print the info indicated in the visa requirements and just tell them this is what I need - and they happily oblige. The only thing they can't customize there was the ADB. They can just give a YTD (year-to-date) ADB. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with BPI. :)

Yes, it was the only thing reflected in the bank statement given to me. I'll just return to the branch and insist that I really need to have the bank certificate customized based on the specifications of the embassy and tell them that the bank certificate originally provided has been declined due to insufficiency of details. Hopefully they won't charge me another fee for the reissuance of the bank certificate.

The Tourist visa is only valid for 3 months?I intend to apply this May 2016 but my trip would be on December, thus it would be valid the time of my trip in December =(Is there any other way to lengthen the validity?

Yes, it is. If your trip will be on December pa, then it is way too we early to apply this month! Nope, that's how they issue visa especially for 1st timers - single entry 3 months validity only. I'll say apply on October or November! What's the rush? Relax lang muna hehe :)

What do you mean? You can submit it or you cannot submit it? If you can submit it kahit late, then it's okay. If it's late meaning you don't have it yet, it "might" cause a problem as your requirements will be considered incomplete.

Hi, thank God I found your blog. I was very anxious po kasi if need to open a savings account coz i only have a payroll acct, it doesn't have a huge balance on it though. But my boyfriend is willing to finance my trip and transfer money on it. Do you think the Korean embassy would be suspicious if there will be a sudden deposit of huge amt? But i guess my ITR and COE can justify it naman. Thank you in advance.

A payroll account will be fine, that's what I presented to the K Embassy. Yes, kung one time big time ang pag transfer ng fund it'll be suspicious. Make it gradual siguro para hindi halata. Wala kasing interview so you can't defend yourself out there. They will definitely base the approval on your papers lang so be careful to avoid any suspicion. That's just my 10 cents though. Good luck on your visa application!

I only have Bank of Certificate from BPI with 25,000 and i just opened my account a few days before applying Visa. I dont have ITR and I used Religious Visa Application. And i was approved 3 days after application.

Hello !i'm glad i found your blog.. para akong nabigyan ng pag-asa nung nabasa ko na yung mo brother is a first time traveller din pala hehe.. actually i've never been to any country and i'm planning to visit South Korea this December or January so i'm so worried na baka madeny ako plus yung bank account ko 45k to 50k lang.I'm planning to stay there for 2 months to travel and to be with my bf na din.My bf will help me naman sa expenses ko..Please give me some advice hehe thank you po

Hi Honeylyn! You can include your boyfriend's Invitation Letter & Photocopy of his Passport if you intend to let them know you have an Invitor. Pwede rin naman to just apply on your own. Kung san kas mas confident na maa-approve ka, go for it! Very easy lang as long as you have all the requirements. Actually, kahit shorter than 2 mos ang ideclare mong stay okay lang. Kase if you will get approved, lagi namang 59 days single entry valid for 3 mos ang binibigay na visa pag 1st time visitor. They won't know din naman afterwards kase they don't ask for airplane tickets and hotel bookings. Wala ring interview.

Hi Lizzie! My mom and I are planning to apply for Korean tourist visa this year. I am employed for more than a year and we have traveled to 3 Asian countries this year.

No issues with our bank statements and current balance since yung main source of income namin galing sa kapatid kong OFW. My main concern is that my parents are both unemployed. Anong requirements ang dapat ipakita ng mom ko?

Hindi pa ganun kalaki ang sweldo ko so if I will act as the principal sponsor I'm not sure if kapani-paniwala na I can shoulder all our expenses for the entire trip.

Hello there. Actually, medyo tricky yung situation mo so mahirap magbigay ng advice. Kase if you will check the requirements for Housewives they really ask for the spouse's documents. What I was thinking was, meron naman FUNDING DETAILS sa form where you can declare who will pay for her. So you can put either you or your sibling - whoever is more financially capable. Then replace the husband's docs with the one who's sponsoring your mom. So same requirements nung sa Housewives, yung additional docs lang yung papalitan mo.

That's just my take on it ha. If you want to make sure, try calling the Embassy to check if this is okay. So far wala pa kase nagshare above regarding similar situation. Hope it helps kahit papano.

Hello good evening. Would like to ask a sort of advice. Last May my Tourist Visa for SK got denied. The reason was "I failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea". I was wondering after I got my passport with a piece if paper stapled inside it if what else do they want me/us to prove. All documents of my boyfriend (foreign invitor working in Korea) and I were complete. Or maybe I checked the wrong purpose on section 9.1 of their visa app for? I checked there "visit family/relative/friend". Maybe I should have checked the "Other" so i can elaborate my specific purpose? Please help po kasi nakakalito at I will re apply on November this year. Thank you so much for reading this and hopefully get a response.

Hi.Even I got confused hehe. Well, what really is your intent in going to Korea? That's the basic question that should be answered first to fill out the form correctly and for the Embassy to determine if your purpose is valid and if your documents suffice for the intended purpose.

hi I've been asking to furnish a letter of Guarantee from our Pre.,CEO and from a Govt. Official. I really don't know why. I wasn't secure a Guarantee Letter from our Pres bec according to her it is a personal travel and not of the company. I am so sad I don't why I have asked this kind of doc. under Employee category. I have completed my requirements actually

travelling to Korea this October (last week) so I plan to apply for the visa in the last week of Sept/1st week of Oct. My problem is that I just opened my savings account last April so by the time I apply for the visa, my account will just be a little more than 5 months old (so it doesn't reach their requirement w/c is 6 months) Would that be a reason for them to deny my application, if ever? Thanks!

Hi! It doesn't matter. My brother's account wasn't that old as well when we applied but he got a visa. They will base your application naman on ALL the documents you will submit, not just the bank cert. Think positive to attract positive results! ;)

My visa application got denied yesterday and it says "Failed to qualify for the visa you applied for" I applied as employed, w complete requirements ( 167k adb and 200k up bank savings) I dont know why I still got denied �� The purpose of my entry is "tourist and visiting relatives" since my brothers are working there.Do you have any idea??

Hello there. I agree with Tammy Boy. You're personal profile is already good enough to be granted a Tourist Visa. You should have just checked one purpose which is Tourism. Wala naman interview so hindi ka maque-question kung ano talaga gagawin mo doon. It is really possible na they doubted your intention to visit since you declared you have relatives there. Better luck next application.

Hi, i know we should not leave anything blank in the application form. I did that but missed the current address field (i left it blank since it is the same as my home address as noted in the form -write only if it’s different from home address). Should i be worried on that? :|

2) About ITR, once a year lang yan nire-release. So for now, you can only present yung galing sa previous company mo which is ITR for the year 2015. Hindi ka pa mabibigyan nung new company mo kase hindi pa tapos ang 2016.

Hello! Sorry I can't give you a good advice on this. To tell you honestly, your scenario is really difficult. First of, red flag kaagad ang unemployment. Second, you can't apply under the Housewives category either because you're not yet married. I perfectly understand, wala kayong problem financially but it's hard to convince the Embassy with just that. Try to call the Embassy na lang po for their recommendation. Thank you.

hi Lizzie..glad to have found your blog..i read every single comment..i have a question, too..we have submitted our visa application without signing/affixing our signature..(i know..please do not judge us..ahahaha)..all other reqts are OK..would that be a reason for the denial of our visa?

We are supposedly travelling on September for our post honeymoon. Unfortunately, my husband's visa got denied. The reason indicated was "you failed to qualify for the visa category". I really don't understand their criteria. I believe, eveerything we have submitted are all in order. Yet, my husband wasn't able to get his visa approved. :(